Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act
Kent State University is committed to maintaining a drug-free campus. Given this objective, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of any illegal drug on its property or as part of any of its activities is strictly prohibited.
This prohibition is reflected in Policy 6-22.1 and 6-01 for employees, and 4-02 for students. Any student, faculty or staff member found to be in violation of these policies will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension/expulsion (students) or immediate termination (faculty / staff) by the university. Furthermore, certain legal sanctions may be imposed (i.e., imprisonment, fines, and assigned community service) by federal, state and local authorities.
Additionally, Kent State University is committed to the reduction of alcohol and other drug abuse by students and employees through the Drug Abuse and Alcohol Prevention Program (DAAPP). Policy 4-02, the Code of Student Conduct and the Hallways Handbook delineate expectations for students pertaining to alcohol and other drugs.
Employees are prohibited by policy 6-01 from performing work responsibilities while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol consumption may also be regulated by any applicable collective bargaining agreement, work rules, or external regulations specific to an employee's position. The illegal use, possession, or distribution of alcohol is prohibited by law. Title 43 of the Ohio Revised Code pertains to liquor and imposes penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Kent State also provides a summary of criminal and university sanctions regarding the illegal use of alcohol and other drugs.
Students should be aware that the university will notify parents of students who are under 21 years of age who have been found responsible for an alcohol or controlled substance violation.
Health Risks
Extensive medical research has identified various health risks associated with the use, misuse or abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol or any other drug used in excess over time can produce illness, disability, or death. The health consequences of substance abuse may be immediate and unpredictable, such as cardiac arrest with cocaine use, or more subtle and long-term, such as liver deterioration associated with the prolonged use of alcohol. In addition to health-related problems, other substance abuse concerns include the following:
- Individuals who abuse alcohol and other drugs often have erratic lifestyles which interfere with work and family responsibilities, sleep, nutrition and exercise.
- Alcohol and substance abuse may lead to financial difficulties, domestic violence, deterioration of the family structure, motor vehicle accident injuries and reduced job performance.
- Repeated use, misuse or abuse of alcohol and other drugs can lead to various forms of dependence.
For more detailed descriptions of commonly-abused drugs, including specific health effects and treatment options, refer to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Resources for Students & Employees
DeWeese Health Center addresses a variety of needs related to alcohol and drug issues involving the Kent Campus. Counseling and Psychological Services provide court diversion programs, assessments, individual counseling and prevention education. Students experiencing problems associated with the use of alcohol or other drugs may obtain more information or schedule an appointment by contacting:
| Counseling and Psychological Services Van Campen Hall 625 Loop Road Kent, Ohio 44242 330-672-2487 | Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Students enrolled in the College of Podiatric Medicine who are experiencing similar concerns as noted above may contact Case Western Reserve University's Counseling Services.
Employees may utilize the IMPACT Program, Kent State University's employee assistance program, directly at 1-800-227-6007, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. In addition, employees may access the IMPACT website to explore web-based work/life resources. Employees may also contact the Human Resources Benefits Office with any questions pertaining to the University-provided Employee Assistance and Work/Life Program.
Community Resources
- Family and Community Services, helping individuals of all ages from providing life's basic needs – food, clothing, shelter – to counseling and mentoring
- Townhall II, advancing the health, wellness and recovery of our community
- Coleman Health Services, providing mental health and rehabilitation services
- Community Health Center
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous
- The Recovery Village, Kent Ohio
- Smart Recovery
- Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups of Ohio
- IBH Addiction Services
- Healthy References: Campus and Community Resources
Healthy Kent, Kent State University’s Alcohol and Other Drug Task Force, is an organization that fosters both campus and community collaboration geared towards reducing the negative impact of drug and alcohol use in our community. This group makes recommendations for policy and program changes and serves as the lead campus group to collaborate with community resources to reduce alcohol and other drug-related problems. In addition, it coordinates the institutional alcohol and other drugs biennial review, along with supporting the efforts of the community to reduce high risk alcohol and other drugs related to negative behavior both on and off campus.
Should you have any questions regarding this act or the policies included, you may contact the chairs for the Alcohol and Other Drugs Task Force, Todd Kamenash, associate dean of students for conduct and community engagement, 330-672-4054.